MCE Plans Family Friendly Earth Day Festival and 5/10K Salmon Run

Central Washington University’s Museum of Culture & Environment will celebrate Earth Day with music, dance performances, fun environmental education activities, and the “Salmon Run” a 5K/10K that celebrates the life cycle of the salmon. The event will take on Saturday April 20, from 9:45 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., at Dean Hall.

The day begins at 9:45 a.m. with the “Small Fry” race, which is free for children and includes a finisher’s prize. The “Salmon Run” begins at 10:00 a.m. Runners are encouraged to wear their favorite salmon-themed costume—the best costume wins a prize! Race shirts and medals are included, along with post-race snacks. Online pre-registration for the race is open until 4:00 p.m. on Friday at www.cwu.edu/museum/salmon-run. Participants may also register in person before the start of the race.

The Earth Day Festival begins at 11:00 a.m. with a belly-dancing performance from Troupe Rose. The Yakama Nation International Dancers begin at noon, followed by a performance at 1:15 p.m. from Peruvian dancers Tusuy Peru. Throughout the day, enjoy activities provided by CWU student organizations and local environmental education groups, including face painting by Allison Koch. Food will be sold by student organization to raise funds for educational opportunities.

On a more serious note, the Yakima Basin Plan Group; Dr. Dave Fast, Yakama Nation Fisheries; and CWU faculty will present a panel discussion about water issues in our community, including the Yakima Basin Integrated Water Resource Plan. The discussion will take place at1:00 p.m., in Dean 106

All events take place at the Museum of Culture and Environment, located in Dean Hall on the Central Washington University campus, 1200 N. D Street. For more information, e-mail museum@cwu.edu or call 509-963-2313, or go to the website www.cwu.edu/museum.